Advisor - Value Chains, Partnerships & Project Coordination

As part of its commitment to support sustainable economic growth and economic transformation in Kenya, GIZ has started a new project titled “Green Trade for Sustainable Development” commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with start of operations in January 2026. The project’s focus lies on amplifying trade under the ratified Kenya EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with accessing new markets or expanding exports in already established markets mainly in the EU. The project will follow a dual approach:

1) Technical advise to the State Department of Trade (SDT) of the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) regarding prioritised areas of EPA implementation, the EPA’s Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) Chapter and the European Green Deal due diligence requirements for export into the EU.

2) A second work stream focuses on strengthening value chains, mostly in the textile and apparel sector, with additional upcoming support to the agri-business industry. The project aims to enhance competitiveness, increase market access, and foster inclusive job creation in key segments of these sectors.

To support implementation, GIZ is seeking an experienced Advisor Sustainable Value Chains & Project Coordination with strong coordination, stakeholder engagement, communication, and private sector development skills. The position combines technical advisory functions with project management, communication, procurement, and partnership coordination responsibilities across the project portfolio.

A. Responsibilities

• Supports the implementation of project activities related to value chains, trade promotion, and private sector development;
  

• Coordinates engagement with private sector stakeholders, business associations, government institutions, development partners, and international counterparts;
  

• Contributes to the implementation of support measures for companies and business ecosystems in selected value chains;
  

• Coordinates project-related high-profiled communication, visibility, storytelling, impact stories generation, stakeholder outreach, and event activities;
  

• Supports project activities related to export readiness, and market access, particularly regarding EU markets;
  

• Supports procurement and contract management processes in line with GIZ rules and procedures;
  

• Contributes to strategic planning, reporting, monitoring, and overall project coordination and management;
  

• Supports cooperation and coordination with relevant public institutions, including the State Department of Trade and sector associations;
  

• Coordinates and supports studies, assessments, workshops, delegations, trade fair participation, and other project activities.
  

The Advisor performs the following tasks:

B. Tasks

1. Technical and Advisory Support

• Supports the Project lead in rolling out advisory services and capacity-building activities for private sector actors in selected value chains; Identifies challenges and opportunities related to competitiveness, sustainability, market access, and business development;
  
• Supports the implementation of activities related to sustainable trade, ESG standards, circular economy approaches, and responsible business practices;
  
• Contributes to stakeholder consultations, research activities, and policy dialogue processes;
  
• Supports business networking, matchmaking, investment promotion, and international cooperation activities.
  

2. Project Management and Coordination

• Coordinates the planning and implementation of trainings, stakeholder meetings, study
  tours, and public events;
• Supports operational planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting processes;
  
• Contributes to the preparation of presentations, storytelling and impact stories production, briefings, and knowledge products;
  
• Manages and coordinates procurement and contracting processes for consultants and
  service providers according to GIZ procedures;
• Supports coordination across project workstreams and with other GIZ programmes and
  development partners;
• Ensures timely follow-up on agreed actions and supports overall project management
  and administration.

3. Communication, Visibility and Networking

• Independently carries out project communication, outreach, and visibility activities, including social media content, presentations, factsheets, and event communication to a high standard;
  
• Maintains regular communication with project partners, stakeholders, and implementing counterparts;
  
• Represents the project at meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and relevant dialogue platforms;
  
• Builds and maintains networks with private sector actors, associations, government institutions, and development partners;
  
• Contributes to internal and external communication and knowledge management activities.
  

C. Required qualifications, competences and experience

Qualifications

• University degree (Master’s preferred) in economics, business administration, international trade, political science, development studies, communications, or
  another relevant field.

Professional experience

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in private sector development, trade promotion, value chain development, project coordination, communication or related areas;
  

• Experience working with private sector stakeholders, business associations, government institutions, or donor-funded programmes;
  

• Experience in stakeholder coordination, project implementation, event management, or communication activities;
  

• Experience with procurement and contract management processes is an asset;
  

• Knowledge of sustainable trade, value chains (textile or agri-business or others), export promotion, or industrial development is an advantage;
  

Additional competences

Project coordination and organization

• Strong organizational, coordination, and multitasking skills;
  
• Ability to manage multiple processes and stakeholders simultaneously and independently;
  
• Structured and solution-oriented working style.
  

Communication and stakeholder engagement

• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills;
  
• Strong drafting, reporting, and presentation skills;
  
• Ability to engage confidently with public and private sector stakeholders;
  
• Fluency in English is required; Kiswahili is an advantage.
  

Client and service orientation

• Strong client orientation and commitment to maintaining productive partnerships;
  
• Ability to anticipate stakeholder needs and proactively support project implementation;
  
• High level of reliability, accountability, and teamwork.
  

Submission of Application:

Duty Station: Nairobi

Duration of Assignment: Up to June 31.12.2028

Vacancy Reference Number: GIZ/SED/12/05/2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

At GIZ Kenya, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We actively seek individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to build a stronger, more impactful global team.

We provide an environment of respect and psychological safety, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all. Discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability, marital status, or any other protected status is not tolerated in any of our workplaces.

Ethics

GIZ is committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals we interact with, including staff, partners, community members, and program participants. We uphold the highest standards in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Child abuse or any form of misconduct by or toward team members is strictly prohibited.

All staff are expected to behave professionally, respect local laws and customs, and complete mandatory ethics e-learning courses upon hire.

Data Confidentiality

In accordance with GIZ’s data protection policy, all candidate applications are stored in our database for six (6) months and deleted thereafter.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.